Abstract
Lung cancer patients constitute a subgroup of cancer patients most at risk for experiencing sleep disturbances. Anxiety is not a significant problem in this population, but may be blunted by alcohol use or smoking. The purpose of this study is to describe anxiety, alcohol use, smoking, and sleep disturbances in a sample of patients with lung cancer. Guided by the classic model of insomnia by Spielman, this study describes anxiety as a predisposing factor, alcohol use and smoking as precipitating factors, and perpetuating factors that maintain or exacerbate sleep disturbances. Nurses across all specialty areas should address these modifiable factors during encounters with patients with lung cancer.
Acknowledgements
5T32HL007953 Postdoctoral Fellowship (Dean) Veterans Affairs Competitive Pilot Project Fund, VISN 4 (Gooneratne), University at Buffalo School of Nursing Garman Fund (Dean). This work was conducted at, and supported by Philadelphia VAMC, Philadelphia, PA and VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY